Sobremesa

SOBREMESA by Curro

Private Chef | Private Dining | Catering & Events

Sobremesa is an Oxfordshire-based private chef and catering business offering personalised dining experiences for private homes, holiday properties, retreats and special events.

We specialise in bespoke menus for intimate dinners, birthdays, hen parties, family celebrations, corporate events and group gatherings.

Drawing inspiration from Mediterranean traditions and international cuisines, we combine restaurant-quality presentation with the comfort and generosity of home cooking.

Our approach focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, sustainable practices, creative menus and exceptional hospitality, offering everything from relaxed sharing feasts to refined multi-course dining experiences.

At Sobremesa, we believe dining is about more than food — it’s about creating memories, bringing people together and celebrating life’s moments around the table.

More than a meal.

My Story

From Seville to your table

My name is Francisco Leal, although most people know me as Curro. I’m a Spanish chef from Seville, and for more than 15 years, cooking has taken me across countries, cultures and some rather unusual kitchens.

Each experience has influenced the way I cook today: a combination of Mediterranean roots, international inspiration, traditional techniques and modern presentation.

Over time, I’ve developed a philosophy that brings together two things I love: the warmth and generosity of home cooking and the creativity and attention to detail of restaurant dining.

I believe in making the most of good ingredients, respecting seasonality, reducing unnecessary waste and creating food that feels special without being pretentious.

Why Sobremesa?

In Spain, sobremesa is the time we spend around the table after a meal. It’s when the plates are empty, conversations continue, laughter is shared and nobody feels in a hurry to leave.

For me, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of our food culture.

And that’s exactly what inspired me to create Sobremesa.

I wanted to bring everything I’ve learned throughout my career into people’s homes, creating personal dining experiences where restaurant-quality food meets genuine, relaxed hospitality.

Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a birthday celebration, a gathering of friends or a special weekend away, my aim is always the same: to make people feel welcome, to cook food they’ll remember and to create an experience they’ll enjoy long after the last course.

Because in the end, the best part of a meal isn’t always what’s on the plate.

It’s the people around the table.

Welcome to Sobremesa.

Curro Founder & Chef

My culinary journey began in Spain, where I studied cuisine and gastronomy and developed a passion for understanding food beyond the recipe — its ingredients, techniques, traditions and the stories behind it.

I had the opportunity to learn and work in Michelin-starred kitchens, including the two-starred Calima in Marbella and Abantal in Seville. Those experiences taught me the importance of precision, discipline, creativity and respect for ingredients.

But as my career developed, I discovered that great cooking isn’t defined by Michelin stars or complicated techniques alone.

Sometimes the simplest food, prepared with care and shared with good company, creates the most memorable experiences.

My journey has taken me through Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Nikkei kitchens, as well as private events and professional kitchens in the UK and across Europe. I’ve worked in Oxford’s historic colleges and even cooked aboard traditional sailing ships, where adapting to the environment, making the most of ingredients and bringing people together through food become part of everyday life.

Our Typical Client

Sobremesa’s typical clients are individuals, couples, families and groups of friends looking to celebrate special occasions through memorable food experiences.

They appreciate high-quality cooking, fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation and personalised service, but also value a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy time together.

Our clients often organise birthday celebrations, intimate dinner parties, hen weekends, family gatherings, countryside retreats and corporate events. Many host these occasions in their own homes, holiday cottages or rented properties across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

They are adventurous with food, enjoy discovering different cuisines and appreciate menus tailored to their tastes, dietary requirements and budgets.

While they are happy to invest in a special experience, they also expect excellent value, flexibility and attention to detail.

Above all, our ideal clients are people who believe that sharing a meal is one of the best ways to connect, celebrate and create lasting memories.

Spanish professional chef with over 15 years of international culinary experience, including Michelin-starred restaurants Calima (2★) and Abantal (1★), luxury hospitality at Mandarin Oriental, and professional kitchens at the University of Oxford.

Specialising in Mediterranean, modern European and international cuisine, with extensive experience in pastry, bespoke private dining, celebrations and event catering.

Founder of Sobremesa, bringing together fine-dining techniques, seasonal ingredients and the warmth of traditional Spanish hospitality.